🎤 Brandweek Day 1 Recap: Denim, AI & Full-Spectrum Brands

Better in denim, and in my sparkling jeans 👖✨ Felt perfectly on brand for Day 1 of hashtag#Brandweek with Fabiola Torres from Gap and Craig Brommers from American Eagle Outfitters Inc., sharing the behind-the-scenes of campaigns that got people talking and obsessing over jeans!

It was such a powerful day that it’s hard to summarize, but I’ll do my best:

Bozoma Saint John kicked off the day, y dios, qué mujer! She’s SUCH an inspiration to me on how to show up as your full self, how we can be many things and that’s perfect. I’m an agency owner, creative director, author, creator, and just getting started. The only one who can define you is you. It’s hard, because perspective also matters in business, but being yourself matters most!

Speaking of powerful women, Dana Paolucci shared how Dove is making “demotainment”, entertaining while educating, and I LOVED this idea.

The Coca-Cola Company Cola x AI! Pratik Thakar, what a mind 🧠. It was probably the first time I heard such a powerful perspective about AI: “AI isn’t about cutting costs; it’s about shaping the future. You can pray for AI to go away, but it’s growing, and fast.” With their latest holiday spot, Coca-Cola keeps proving they’re leading the way and how humans remain fully integrated in the process.

Josh Dean, “Keep Walking” is not just a tagline, it’s a mantra I’ve shared with this brand since studying advertising and later having them as a client. I loved how you said it: “Johnnie Walker isn’t borrowing from culture but collaborating with those shaping it.” I’m excited for what’s ahead!

BÉIS, omg, I love your approach! You don’t just sell luggage, you sell service. Washing people’s suitcases and teaching them how to do it, honestly, isn’t that everyone’s biggest pain point with luggage? Mine sure is. Such a brilliant reminder that great brands go beyond products; they create experiences that truly care about people.

It was lovely finally meeting you in person, Ross Lawrie McLeod, David Lafitte and you all Kaitlyn Coleman Jessica Schinazi Benoit Vatere Elizabeth Money Sarah Choi (Cho) Christie Jones Savery Stacey Hartnett (Berger) Ana Teixeira Maggie Petcoff Wai Lin Yip Jackie G. Jason Bunge Dan Moriarty Nicole Vinson Victoria B. Lozano Sahara Lotti 

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I’m Alejandra Salazar, Founder & CEO of CROING l Creative Agency, where we work with brands that want to get closer to their audience. Here, I share audience insights, creative industry events, culturally relevant campaigns, and spotlight women in the industry. Follow me and join the conversation.